Exploring cutting-edge technologies and solving complex problems
The use of Artificial Intelligence, specifically Large Language Models (LLMs), have recently been on the rise since the availability of large datasets and computer resources, as well as adaptation of deep learning techniques have been more prominent. LLMs are models that use a neural-network to learn from large datasets in two main parts. The first being that they use a self-supervised learning approach where the data fed into these models do not need any external manipulation. Then, they then go through a fine-tuning stage where they use small datasets in order to use the knowledge they learned to complete tasks the user asks. Based on multiple rounds of learning and training from this approach, LLMs have been launched for the public to be able to generate text, answer prompts, conduct analyses, translate text, solve math problems, and more. The use of LLMs have significantly increased, leading us to investigate the effectiveness of LLMs for future weather forecasting in Arlington, Virginia from June 1, 2025 to August 31, 2025.
This project explores the role of autonomous vehicles (AVs) in enhancing urban safety and sustainability. By analyzing their impact on traffic safety, we look into whether AVs truly deliver on the notion of reducing accidents and improving transportation efficiency. Our goal is to evaluate the effectiveness of AVs and identify how they contribute to creating safer, more sustainable cities.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), otherwise known as Lou Gehrig's Disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that impacts nerve cells in the brain and spine. Specifically, it causes motor neurons to degenerate and die, stopping the transfer of neurological transmissions between the brain and muscles, eventually causing muscle weakness, locomotor deficits, and atrophy. In order to potentially alleviate a few symptoms of ALS, Bacopa monnieri will be tested in this study. Bacopa monnieri, otherwise known as "Brahmi," is a plant that has been used in Ayurvedic medicine due to its antioxidant, antiapoptotic, and anti-inflammatory effects. The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of Bacopa monnieri on the locomotor function of Drosophila melanogaster with ALS. The significance of this study is to alleviate the symptoms of ALS, specifically the loss of climbing ability in flies. If Bacopa monnieri were to improve locomotor function, it could potentially be a supplement that can help with locomotor deficits for those diagnosed with ALS.
Fragile-X Syndrome (FXS) is a genetic X-linked disorder involving a mutation in the Fmr1 gene, where the CGG sequence repeats excessively (over 200 times instead of 5-40). This prevents FMRP protein creation, affecting synaptic function and brain plasticity, leading to communication issues between neurons. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), an inhibitory neurotransmitter, decreases nerve cell stimulation and can slow brain processes in FXS. The research aimed to find a relationship between increased GABA levels and learning/short-term memory in FXS-affected flies. The hypothesis was that GABA consumption would improve learning and short-term memory consolidation in Drosophila melanogaster with FXS. Findings showed a statistically significant difference between Wild-type flies and FXS flies fed 0 µM GABA (FXS flies had learning/memory trouble). There was no significant difference between Wild-type flies fed 0 µM GABA and Wild-type flies fed 30 µM GABA, indicating GABA targets FXS. The hypothesis was accepted due to a statistically significant difference between FXS flies fed 0 µM GABA and FXS flies fed 30 µM GABA.
Streams and rivers are an important part of the ecosystem, and organisms can not live properly in streams with poor ecological health. Therefore, the purpose of this experiment is to test the health of our local streams across Loudoun County. To do this, a sample of one of the local streams in Loudoun County was taken. Then, the organisms collected from the stream were classified and recorded in a data table. The same thing was done by 28 groups, who sampled different streams all throughout Loudoun County. Then, the Water Quality Index (WQI), biodiversity (H'), and evenness (J') were calculated for each of these 28 locations and compiled into a data table. From this, the locations were then grouped into 3 categories: streams near Leesburg, streams near Brambleton, and streams near Aldie. Then, three Kruskal-Wallis tests were performed to determine if there was a significant difference between the WQI, H', and J' values throughout all three locations. If the p-value from these tests were below the universal 5% significance level, then we can conclude that there is a significant difference in these values. Though, the p-value for the WQI values was 0.14, which is greater than 0.05; the p-value for the H' values was 0.29, which is also greater than 0.05; and the p-value for the J' values was 0.11, which is also greater than 0.05. Therefore, it was concluded that there is no statistically significant difference between the WQI, H', and J' values throughout all three locations. Consequently, the health and biodiversity of all Loudoun County streams are relatively similar.
When gall flies, Eurosta solidaginis, lay eggs in a goldenrod, the larvae tend to form a gall in the stem. Though, these galls can be invaded by three main parasitoids known as Eurytoma obtusiventris, Eurytoma gigantea, and Mordellistena unicolor. These species kill the gall fly in the gall, which decreases the survival rate of the gall flies. This experiment discusses the effect of the size of the gall on the survival rate of these gall flies. To do this, the measurements of the galls were taken to determine the volume of the galls using vernier calipers. These galls were dissected and the contents were recorded. Then, the mean volume of the galls was calculated and 95% confidence intervals were created. A 2-sample T-test was performed to determine the p-value. The results showed that the p-value for gall fly vs. not gall fly was 0.00000324, which is less than 0.05, indicating a significant difference. The p-value for gigantea vs. not gigantea was 0.14, which is greater than 0.05. The p-value for obtusiventris vs. not obtusiventris was 0.42, which is greater than 0.05. The p-value for beetle vs. not beetle was 0.037, which is less than 0.05. Therefore, it was concluded that gall flies survived more in larger galls, and beetles invaded smaller galls, while gigantea and obtusiventris invaded galls of nearly any size.
In springs, a force is applied to the spring to compress it over a certain distance, which was our definition of Work/Energy. Now, after he developed the concept of Elastic Potential Energy, he created the idea of elastic and inelastic collisions between gas particles in the microworld; in elastic collisions all the Kinetic Energy is conserved and in inelastic collisions, Kinetic Energy is not conserved. Kinetic Energy is the energy of an object in motion, therefore if an elastic collision resembles no change in Kinetic Energy, the motion of the particles before the collision must be equal to the motion of the particle in a different direction. To study and predict the motion of these particles, we created an experiment on the Kinetic Molecular Theory, which is a set of laws that only apply to ideal gasses.
Our device, EyeEcho, is a wireless navigation device that utilizes the concept of echolocation to assist those who are visually impaired. The navigation device is a wristband that contains a telemetry sensor to discern sound waves that have been reflected off of nearby surfaces, and would then calculate the relative distance of obstacles from the user. Then, data collected by EyeEcho would be sent to a chip, which is inserted into the Primary Visual Cortex of the brain, via Bluetooth. The Silicon-Oxide insulated chip would monitor the flow of the brain and then release electrical impulses using its Brain-Chip Interface (BCHI). This would help the user visualize their surroundings in order to avoid any obstacles. By using EyeEcho, we hope to ensure a safe and effective assistive device that is easy to use.
How I approach my research projects
Comprehensive analysis of existing research, identifying gaps and opportunities for innovation.
Formulating research questions and designing experiments with rigorous methodology.
Building prototypes, conducting experiments, and collecting data for analysis.
Analyzing results, drawing conclusions, and sharing findings with the community.
Contributions to the field